Genomics & Epigenomics

The overall aim of this group is to identify the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with brain ageing and age-related decline and disease.

To this end, we investigate these questions using data from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, the Older Australian Twins Study and the Sydney Centenarian Study. We have collected genotyping, epigenetic and gene expression data for many of our study participants. Our group has many collaborations with national and international research groups and consortia, as often large sample sizes are required to identify genetic/ epigenetic factors that contribute to complex traits and disease. The findings of this work have facilitated the identification of novel genes and pathways that contribute to a wide range of traits, including brain structure and cognitive performance, leading to new insights into the underlying biology. Ultimately, we aim to translate these findings into diagnostic, preventative and/or treatment strategies to promote healthy ageing.

Dr Karen Mather

Group Leader

Staff

Dr Anbupalam

Thalamuthu
Dr Sumangali

Gobhidharan
Dr Naga Mutyala
Sri Chandana

Kanchibhotla

Students

Dr Adith Mohan
Mary Revelas
Jessica Lazarus
Irina Freitag
Abdulsalam Toyin

Ademola
Annabel Matison
Russell Chander

Annabel Matison, Dr Karen Mather, Sri Chandana Kanchibhotla, Russell Chander, Dr Adith Mohan, Dr Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Toyin Abdulsalam, Dr Sumangali Gobhidharan, Mary Revelas

A review examining 33 articles published up to December 2020 revealed new insight into the connection between nutrition and depression in adults aged 45 years and older.

Published in Ageing Research Reviews, the review indicates a beneficial relationship between higher intakes of vegetables and fruits and lower incidence of depression, with a higher risk of depression for those that consumed a predominantly western diet or foods that increase inflammation in the body.

According to senior author Dr Simone Reppermund and expert in depression and cognitive function, depression is also associated with increased morbidity and suicide.

Lead author and CHeBA student Annabel Matison said that both the Dietary Inflammatory Index and the Western diet were associated with increased depression, whereas higher intake of fruit and vegetables lowered the risk.

DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101403 “We found that the current evidence suggests Mediterranean diets, ‘healthy’ diets and fish intake were not associated with depression.” Annabel Matison